Are you looking for a perfect winter salad recipe that is both delicious and healthy? If so, you’ve come to the right place. I am excited to share with you my Poached Pear Salad With Blue Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette recipe that will surely impress your family and friends.

This salad recipe combines a variety of flavors and textures that create a light but satisfying meal. Sweet, juicy poached pears are the star of the show, combined with tangy blue cheese crumbles and toasted walnut pieces. The champagne vinaigrette adds an extra depth of flavor to the dish, which perfectly complements the delicate flavors of the poached pears.

The best part about this salad is that it’s easy to make yet looks impressive on any table. Whether served as an appetizer or as a side dish, it’s sure to be a hit in any gathering.

So join me on this culinary journey, and let’s make this Poached Pear Salad With Blue Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette recipe a new staple in your winter salad repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, tangy, and savory all at once, this Poached Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette recipe is the perfect choice for you. This recipe combines the delicate yet flavorful poached pears, crumbled blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts to create a dish that’s both refreshing and comforting.

Whether you’re looking for a great winter salad or a show-stopping appetizer for your next dinner party, this recipe has got you covered. The unique combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds begging for more.

Plus, the homemade creamy blue cheese champagne vinaigrette recipe is easy to make and takes your salad to the next level. So if you’re ready to impress your friends and family with a restaurant-quality dish made from scratch, this is the recipe for you.

Trust me; one bite of this Poached Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette, and you’ll be hooked.

Ingredient List

Sure, here are 11 unique photo captions for the recipe:

Below is a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious poached pear salad with blue cheese and champagne vinaigrette recipe:

1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups water
2 bosc pears, peeled and cored
3/4 cup dry red wine
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1 shallot, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, rocket salad)
Handful of walnut pieces

The Recipe How-To

Step 1: Poach the Pears

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup of dry red wine, ½ cup of sugar, 1 cinnamon stick broken in half and 2-3 slices of crystallized ginger.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat then add the pears.
Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes or until the pears are tender but not mushy.
Once done, leave them to cool in the liquid.

Step 2: Prepare the Champagne Vinaigrette

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 finely minced shallot, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar and 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar.
Slowly pour in 4 tablespoons of olive oil, while constantly whisking until fully combined.
Then add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.

Tip: For a creamier dressing add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

On a large plate or bowl, arrange some mixed greens or arugula leaves.
Add thinly sliced poached pears, some crumbled blue cheese, and a handful of walnut pieces all around.
Drizzle with homemade creamy blue cheese champagne vinaigrette dressing that you have prepared before.

Variation: You can substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or feta cheese. You may also use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.

This Poached Pear Salad With Blue Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe is delicious as a winter salad or as an appetizer to impress your guests. Feel free to pair this with Pinot Noir for more rich flavors. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

A refreshing salad that packs a punch of flavor with every bite

Looking to put your own twist on the poached pear salad recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:

– Cheese: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, you can substitute it for crumbled goat cheese, gorgonzola or bleu cheese. They all pair well with the poached pears.

– Nuts: If you don’t have walnut pieces on hand or would like to switch it up, try using pecans or almonds instead. They’ll add a nice crunch to the salad.

– Vinaigrette: If you don’t have champagne vinegar, white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can be substituted instead. You can also experiment with different types of mustard to create a unique vinaigrette flavor.

– Poached Pears: While Bosc pears are recommended for this recipe, you can also use Anjou or Bartlett pears instead – whatever type is in season and available in your area.

– Wine: Pinot Noir is recommended for poaching the pears, but a dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot can be used as well. Try experimenting with different types of wine to see which one you prefer.

– Greens: While mixed greens provide a great base for this salad, you can also use arugula, spinach, rocket or any other type of green that you prefer. It’s always good to switch things up and try new things out.

Overall, feel free to make this recipe your own by incorporating other ingredients and flavors that intrigue you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create something amazing!

Serving and Pairing

Beautifully poached pears add a touch of elegance to this salad

When it comes to serving and pairing this delicious Poached Pear Salad With Blue Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette recipe, you can expect a remarkable and versatile dish that goes well with a range of food options.

This salad offers the perfect balance of flavors as the sweetness of the poached pear complements the tanginess of the blue cheese and vinaigrette dressing. This blend of flavors ensures that this dish pairs exceptionally well with a dry red wine. Consider pouring yourself a glass of Pinot Noir or any other dry red wine to complement this dish beautifully.

Moreover, you can pair this Poached Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette with crispy green salad such as arugula or spinach for a tantalizing appetizer recipe. Alternatively, you may consider serving it alongside pecan salad, pear walnut salad or rocket salad for an unforgettable winter salad course.

If you prefer cheese options besides bleu cheese, goat cheese is also an excellent alternative that pairs perfectly with this salad. On the other hand, balsamic vinegar serves as an acceptable substitute for champagne vinegar in the dressing.

Overall, whether you are planning to serve this recipe as a side dish for dinner parties or want to enjoy it as your main course at lunchtime, its versatility makes it the ultimate option that guarantees a delightful and exceptional dining experience.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Perfectly balanced flavors of tangy blue cheese and sweet pears

This Poached Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the poached pears in advance and store them covered in their liquid in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vinaigrette can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To assemble the salad, you can slice the pears and toss them with the vinaigrette up to a few hours ahead of time, then refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. When you’re ready to serve, just add the blue cheese crumbles and walnut pieces, and give everything a quick toss.

If you have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pears will continue to soften as they sit in the liquid, but they’ll still be delicious. To reheat, gently warm the poached pears in their liquid over low heat on the stove or in the microwave until just heated through.

This salad also makes a great packed lunch or picnic dish. Just pack everything separately and assemble it when you’re ready to eat. The pears may brown slightly if they’re exposed to air for too long, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Overall, this salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed fresh or made ahead of time without sacrificing any of its delicious flavors!

Tips for Perfect Results

The perfect salad for a fancy dinner party or a casual lunch

To make the perfect Poached Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette, follow these tips:

First, when you poach the pears, make sure to simmer them gently. If they boil too hard, they will become mushy and lose their shape.

Secondly, once the pears are in the pot, keep an eye on them. Overcooked pears can become too soft and fall apart while cooking.

Thirdly, use good quality blue cheese from a reputable brand. The quality of your blue cheese can make all the difference in this salad.

Fourthly, add the walnuts just before serving so they don’t get soggy. This will ensure that the nuts remain crispy and add texture to the salad.

Additionally, homemade Creamy Blue Cheese dressing takes this salad to another level. It’s worth taking a few extra minutes to make it from scratch.

When assembling the salad, toss the greens with the vinaigrette before adding the pears and cheese on top. This ensures that every bite is coated with flavor.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of greens such as arugula or mixed baby greens. And if you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try goat cheese or feta instead for a different flavor profile.

By following these tips, you’re sure to create a delicious and impressive poached pear salad that will impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds.

FAQ

Now that you’ve learned how to make this delicious Poached Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette recipe, here are some frequently asked questions to help ensure your success in the kitchen.

What wine goes with pear and blue cheese salad?

Pairing wine with a pear and blue cheese salad can seem daunting, but fear not! A Dry Riesling is the perfect match. Its fruity and crisp taste, complemented by mineral notes, balances the flavors of the salad flawlessly.

What wine goes well with poached pears?

Late harvest dessert wines that have a thick, syrupy texture and a sweet, honey-like taste go together splendidly with poached pears. To bring out the best of the wine, try pairing it with Pinot Gris or Muscat. When choosing pears for this dish, select a variety with a tougher skin like Bosc to trap in the succulent juices. Not only does this dish look appealing, but it also tastes divine.

What wine goes with pear and gorgonzola salad?

When it comes to red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular choice due to its delectable taste and drinkability. This wine boasts a rich and intense fruit flavor that draws people in. One great way to complement the wine’s robust taste is to pair it with a dish that balances the flavors perfectly. Gorgonzola is an excellent choice as it has a sharp saltiness that is tempered by sweet candied walnuts and slices of sweet pear, making it the perfect match for Cabernet Sauvignon.

What pairs with pears?

The list contains various herbs and spices such as allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, and ginger. It also includes some nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts. Additionally, there are flavors like caramel, chocolate, honey, and maple syrup. The list also encompasses some alcoholic beverages like brandy and both red and white wines. Finally, vanilla and oils are part of the itemization as well.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this poached pear salad with blue cheese and champagne vinaigrette recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a refreshing, flavorful salad. The combination of the delicate poached pears, tangy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and the tartness of the champagne vinaigrette will surely leave your taste buds craving for more.

Moreover, this recipe is versatile and can be customized according to your taste preferences. You can substitute blue cheese with gorgonzola or goat cheese, add arugula or spinach leaves for a healthier alternative, or use balsamic vinegar instead of champagne vinegar for a sweeter taste profile.

Additionally, when it comes to serving and pairing, this salad goes well with a variety of dishes. Try it with grilled chicken or shrimp to make it into a complete meal, pair it with a light-bodied Pinot Noir wine to bring out the flavors of the blue cheese and poached pear, or enjoy it alone for a light lunch or dinner.

Overall, this poached pear salad with blue cheese and champagne vinaigrette recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add some elegance and sophistication to their winter salads. So go ahead and give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!

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